The relationship between self-efficacy and caregiving burden among parents of children with cerebral palsy

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Aims: This descriptive study aimed to determine the relationship between self-efficacy levels and the caregiving burden of parents caring for children with cerebral palsy. Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 128 parents of children with cerebral palsy attending four special education and rehabilitation centers affiliated with Van Provincial Directorate of National Education. Data were collected between January and August 2023 using the Introductory Information Form, the Parental Self-Efficacy Scale (PSES) and the Burden of Caregiving Scale (CBSS). Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with parents. The principles of scientific ethics and data confidentiality were followed at all stages of the study. Results: Outcomes showed a moderate negative correlation between PSES and CBSS scores, indicating that higher self-efficacy is associated with lower caregiving burden. Factors such as social insurance, caregiving support, and income level significantly influenced caregiving burden. Parents with fewer children, higher education levels, and children with mild mobility limitations had higher self-efficacy scores. Similarly, caregiving burden was found to be greater among parents of children with intellectual disabilities, lower income levels, feelings of burnout, and future anxiety. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of identifying the factors that affect caregiving burden and self-efficacy. Nurses should adopt a multidisciplinary approach to identify parental strengths and weaknesses and provide targeted interventions. Training in this area and targeted interventions to enhance parental self-efficacy could significantly reduce caregiving burdens.